A leader, simply defined, is someone who has the ability to influence others.  A leader, with appropriate goals, a positive attitude, and a willingness to take risks, is a great asset in the effort to strengthen and transform a community.  They provide the vision, motivation and skill to plan the future of communities and guide them through difficult times.

LEAD Tuscola is a 10-month program to introduce Tuscola County residents to programs and opportunities for local leadership.  Individuals will have the opportunity to participate in a series of thought-provoking educational sessions, starting with a weekend retreat and continuing with one day sessions every month.  These sessions will be held at different locations in Tuscola County and will include lunches and snacks.  Our hope is that following graduation, the participants will take the knowledge they have gained and use it to become more involved in the continuing growth of Tuscola County.   LEAD Tuscola should appeal to those of diverse backgrounds who are interested in the past, present and future of Tuscola County and are willing to become involved in the County Community.

The program is designed to provide each participant with knowledge of a wide variety of programs and opportunities available in Tuscola County. 

At the orientation weekend, each participant will explore his/her own personality traits and see how they fit with others in the program.  Participants will be divided into groups that will work together throughout the program on a volunteer initiative.  During monthly sessions, participants will gain knowledge of the history of Tuscola County, local government including the courts, law enforcement, business and economic developments, nonprofit organizations, human services, and Tuscola County’s educational opportunities.  The program will finish with a visioning session to sharpen the focus on ways each participant can provide leadership for continued growth.

Participants will be asked to attend the weekend orientation and a minimum of seven other sessions to qualify for graduation.  Tuition for the program is $650.00 and may be paid by the individual and/or the participant's, employer/sponsor.

Participants must be nominated by an employer, coworker, acquaintance, or may nominate themselves.  Participants will be selected from a written application based on their demonstrated leadership ability and potential.  Individual accomplishments and a desire to assume expanded responsibilities of leadership will also be important criteria in the selection process.